JHS Herb Festival raising funds for earthquake victims

The Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami was more than two years ago, but Okinawa organizations continue to host events such as the JHS Herb Festival to raise money for the stricken mainland area north of Tokyo.

The JHS Herb Festival takes place on Sunday as a charity event by herb lovers and graduates of the herb school. The festival is free, and runs 10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. at the Fureai Salon of Okinawa Gender Equality Center Tiruru, 3-11-1 Nishi, Naha City.

Various herbs that are cultivated or grow wild on Okinawa are on sale at the event.

Children on summer vacation are provided with an opportunity to touch herbs, and visitors can participate in a workshop for only ¥500.. There are a variety of workshops available, such as making soap from herbs, making herbal salt, and making scent bags from herbs. There is a limit of 20 for each workshop. Organizers say all earnings from the workshops, except the cost of materials, will be contributed.

A sale of goods made from herbs will also take place. The goods being sold include handmade bread, soap containing herbs, dry herb tea, body powder, insect repellent spray, and herb-spiked “Sata andagi” the infamous Okinawan donut.. About 20 % of the sales of goods will be contributed.

Since the free distribution corner of herb seedlings are at the site, visitors can cultivate a seedling at a house using knowledge acquired through this event.